City don't plan to rush Adebayor

12 January 2010 09:51

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has placed the decision on when to return to action firmly at the feet of Emmanuel Adebayor.
Adebayor is not taking part in the Africa Cup of Nations following the withdrawal of Togo in the wake of the gun attack on their team bus which left three members of their support staff dead.
The City striker will lead the Togolese squad in a period of mourning before potentially returning to England.
However, Mancini claims Adebayor will decide on the timetable for his return and will not be pressurised by the club.
"I am very sorry for him, I will just wait for him," said Mancini after City's 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers on Monday night. "When he comes back I will let him decide when he wants to play."
Adebayor has scored six goals in 15 appearances for the Citizens following his £20million arrival from Arsenal last summer.
Speaking shortly after the attack in the disputed northern Angolan province of Cabinda, Adebayor explained his shock, saying: "It's a football game, it's one of the biggest tournaments in Africa and a lot of people would love to be in our position but I don't think anybody would be prepared to give their life.
"If I am alive I can still play football tomorrow and in one year maybe even another Cup of Nations, but I am not ready to pass away now."